Black Cats provide more bad luck for Moyes as Red Devils are denied Wembley date

23 January 2014 09:37

Gus Poyet's Sunderland edged out Manchester United in a semi-final penalty shootout at Old Trafford. The result heaps yet more pressure on David Moyes's already troubled first season as manager of the current Premier League champions.

A first half Johnny Evans goal seemed to put united well on their way to a derby final against quadruple hopefuls Manchester City, however they failed to seal victory in 90 minutes meaning the tie would go to extra time.

What followed was a dramatic finish and one that wouldn't have looked out of place during the Fergie era. Former United player Phil Bardsley forced David De Gea into a disastrous error that seemingly put Sunderland all but into the final and sending their 9,000 strong travelling support into euphoric celebration. The away support were immediately silenced as Javier Hernandez cruelly stuck at the death to set up a tense shootout.

What followed was a penalty horror show with the majority of spot-kicks failing to find the net including Rafeal's deciding effort which was saved by Vito Mannone to the glee of Poyet and his staff.

The result sinks United to a season-low as once again they failed to come out on top at their legendary fortress. David Moyes must now rally his broken-hearted troops once more for the visit of Cardiff City along with former Red Devils hitman Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Gus Poyet however will be jumping for joy. Sunderland's battle against relegation has now been given a huge boost. With the possibility of Silverware heading to the Stadium of light, players and fans alike have something to not only look forward to but also spur them on in the quest for vital victories.

Quite whether the Mackems can pull off a Wembley success like Wigan Athletic of the previous FA Cup final against High-flying Manchester City is something all Sunderland fans will be dreaming about. If they do manage to lift the League cup then they will be hoping that the Latics fate will not also befall them in subsequent relegation.

 

Source: DSG